by Fred Cheng, R.Ph, and Christine Cheng, R.Ph
Many of us feel sluggish coming out of our winter hibernation, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic keeping us more cooped up indoors than usual. To jump-start our bodies, it is essential to focus on a balanced diet of adequate protein, a variety of veggies, and minimized sugars and fats; the physiological process of burning up excess body fat can release a lot of energy. A balanced diet can also have subsequent benefits, including better mood, sleep, hormone-balance, reduced inflammation, decreased pain, etc. Be sure to consult your physician to help rule out potential root causes of fatigue, such as low thyroid, anemia, and adrenal imbalance.
There are also supplements that can safely give you that boost of extra energy without resulting in the “crash” that many experience after a caffeine boost. HOMEOCAN’s “ALFALFA TONIC” (with ginseng) has been a trusted concoction for decades. It is a low-cost and effective oral liquid that many have found to alleviate mental and physical fatigue, as well as nervousness, agitation, and anxiety: eg. Avena helps with anxiety and fatigue, Selenium increases interest, Agnus cactus can reduce exhaustion, Kali aresnicosum minimizes anxiety and fatigue. This homeopathic combination is very unlikely to give you any side-effects or interactions, making it a safe and logical first option and/or adjunct for many clients.
MACA is an ancient Peruvian plant who’s root has been used to treat anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, hormone-imbalance, vitality, energy and memory. It is rich in iron, calcium, copper, Vitamin B, C, and E. Maca root is typically very tough and hardy, but Richmond’s “ORGANIKA” has a process which renders the powder very smooth while retaining the root’s medicinal properties. This ensures the powder is absorbed maximally, thereby reducing bloating. It is available on its own or in combination with CACAO, which adds the power of a strong anti-oxidant to the unique formulation. In fact, cacao contains more anti-oxidants than red wine, green tea, and blueberries combined. Organika’s delicious recipe of organic maca and cacao not only tastes wonderful in drinks or in baking, but can take effect immediately and also helps minimize damage to the cardiovascular system.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the mushroom CORDYCEPS SINENSIS has been used for energy, sports, and work performance. It can boost vitality, immunity and balance energy through adrenals and does so by optimizing oxygen utilization and increasing adenosine triphosphate (“ATP”: the energy currency of our cells). Duncan, BC’s PURICA has a fantastic “full-spectrum” version of cordyceps which takes advantage of all parts of the mushroom, including fruits, spores, mycelium, primordial and extra-cellular portions.
Come talk to an integrative pharmacist at Cloverdale Pharmasave or Pharmasave Steveston Village to explore your options for feeling energized this Spring.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
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